The meaning and origin of the expression: On the dole

On the dole

What's the meaning of the phrase 'On the dole'?

Unemployed and in receipt of state benefit.

What's the origin of the phrase 'On the dole'?

In the UK, Unemployment Benefit has been known by the slang term 'the dole' since WWI. This derives from the 'doling out', that is, 'handing out' of charitable gifts of food or money. This dates back to at least 1919, when it was recorded in The Daily Mail: